Pusher (1996) - Official Trailer

What drew me to this film wasn't the fact that there are two remakes of this film but due to the fact that this is the directorial debut of Nicolas Winding Refn. The Danish director who made the impressive and brutal Bronson and equally entertaining Drive.

Filmed in a naturalistic nature, the camera follows the central character Frank and his associate Tonny through their day to day life in an objective manner. The film kicks off with the two of them wheeling and dealing (the narrative does not pause for breath for minor details such as background characters and situations, we are just pushed straight into the world of drugs, dealers and buyers).

An offer of a big deal comes along in shape of a large buyer and Frank goes to his suppler Milo to obtain the goods. Milo is reluctant to give him that much without money upfront as Frank still owes a substantial amount but on the condition that Frank pays him the following day, Frank accepts. When he goes to do the deal with the buyer, things start to go very bad for him as the police are waiting for him and he has to throw away tip all the goods into a lake. In the following few days Frank has to come up with a large amount of money or face the consequences.

What comes across you straight away is the immediacy and intensity in the way in which the camera follows our protagonist. Medium close up and long cuts pushes the audience closer into the seedy world of drug pushers and the criminal world. confined spaces in the car and apartments makes it feel claustrophobic and trapped in this underground business.

An altogether rawness and close to documentary quality to the picture makes it feel almost real and gritty. As Frank becomes more and more desperate the mood and atmosphere changes, making viewing feel ever increasingly uncomfortable.

A powerful and harsh look into the world of drug dealers shot with roughness and unremorseless savagery. With the character Frank, we not suppose to sympathise with, but he shows enough emotion that there is a connection that he is still human underneath it all. A great performance from all involved, mesmerising and monstrous in equal measure. It's a film that will burn in your memory for a long time.

Acting: 4.5/5

Technical Merit: 4.5/5

Narrative: 4/5

Entertainment: 5/5

18/20